LFF 2014: Listen Up Philip | reviews, news & interviews
LFF 2014: Listen Up Philip
LFF 2014: Listen Up Philip
Alex Ross Perry's retro comedy is as mirthful as it is mean
Listen Up Philip is so successful in its retro stylings that it comes across like a lost New Hollywood gem.
It begins with our protagonist bragging about his accomplishments as he delivers a pointless and nonchalantly received dressing-down to an ex. Invigorated by the experience, he calls up an old college room-mate to do likewise. This is our introduction to unabashed arsehole Philip Lewis Friedman (Jason Schwartzman, playing an aggressively misanthropic version of his Bored to Death character), an already somewhat acclaimed author awaiting the publication of his second novel. His relationship with photographer Ashley (Elizabeth Moss) falls apart as he's taken under the wing of Ike Zimmerman (Jonathan Pryce), also an author and also an insufferable prick, but one who's better practised at both.
The film might seem wedded to the past but the cast couldn't be better examples of exciting, modern talents: Krysten Ritter brings a touch of emo-chic as Ike's daughter; Schwartzman has an unshakeable association with the arch and meta; while Moss – best known for playing trailblazing women – rocks a fresh sporty bob and during a lingering extreme close-up shows us a range of emotions Gena Rowlands would be proud of. Listen Up Philip is hilariously funny and stingingly cruel and, when the melancholy sets in, surprisingly affecting. With its cross-generational friendship it recalls Schwartzman's breakthrough film, Wes Anderson's Rushmore, but Perry gets right up in the faces of his characters rather than holding us at a carefully judged remove.
rating
Explore topics
Share this article
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
Add comment